Dispatcher - Part Time

GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY:

This is an administrative support position for the Starkville Police Department. This position performs emergency and non-emergency dispatch for police personnel and operates the communications center through the use of radio, telephone and other communication equipment.  This job requires extensive contact with the public.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Receives non-emergency and emergency calls form the public requesting law enforcement services; determine nature, location and priority of emergency.
• Maintains contact with all police units; maintains status and location of police units and a daily log of all field calls and units dispatched.
• Monitors all communications related to performance of Police functions.
• Conducts national computer checks for registrations, driver’s licenses, wanted persons, firearms and materials; conducts criminal history checks and transmits all information to the requesting officer.
• Receives and forwards non-emergency calls to proper personnel or departments.
• Communicates with walk-ins and provides general information or referrals as needed.
• Prepares files and maintains custody of reports, records and the proper handling of funds.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of standard office practices and procedures.
• Knowledge of general municipal agency operations and organizations.
• Knowledge of computers and applicable software for state and national networks.
• Knowledge of records management policies, procedures, and processes.
• Ability to communicate, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to disseminate information in a timely and accurate manner.
• Ability to prioritize and organize work.
• Ability to work on multiple tasks at one time.
• Ability to interact with the public and provide information in a polite and efficient manner both in person and on the telephone.
• Ability to speak clearly and concisely on a telephone.
• Ability to listen to others for understanding their needs and situation.
• Ability to remain calm, professional, and effective while handling emergency and high-stress situations.
• Ability to type accurately and efficiently while communicating with callers and entering information into multiple computer systems.

Education and/or Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent (GED) required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience in a public safety communications center, law enforcement, fire, EMS, or 911 dispatch environment.
• Knowledge of emergency communications procedures, radio protocols, and incident prioritization.
• Experience using Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD), Records Management Systems (RMS), National Crime Information Center (NCIC), or state criminal justice information systems.
• Experience operating multi-line telephone systems, computer-aided dispatch (CAD) systems, radio communications equipment, or other computerized systems is desirable.

Licenses, Certifications, and Other Requirements

• Must successfully pass a comprehensive background investigation, including fingerprinting and criminal history check.
• Must pass a pre-employment drug screening and any other required medical or psychological evaluations, if applicable.
• Must be able to work shifts, including nights, weekends, holidays, mandatory overtime, and emergency call-back as needed.
• Must maintain confidentiality and comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, policies, and regulations regarding criminal justice information.

Work Environment and Physical Demands

Work is performed primarily in a secure communications center with frequent exposure to stressful, emotionally charged, and emergency situations. Employees must be able to maintain concentration and make sound decisions while handling multiple tasks simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.

The position requires prolonged periods of sitting, frequent use of computers, multiple monitors, telephones, headsets, keyboards, and radio communications equipment. Employees must possess sufficient visual acuity, hearing, manual dexterity, and verbal communication skills to effectively receive, interpret, and transmit information. Occasional standing, walking, reaching, bending, and lifting of office materials weighing up to approximately 20 pounds may be required.

Employees must be able to work extended shifts during emergencies, natural disasters, or staffing shortages and maintain regular, reliable attendance.